MSTA Forums

Events => Regional Rallies => Topic started by: rideandfly on November 04, 2015, 12:47:02 PM

Title: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 04, 2015, 12:47:02 PM
2016 Tellico Plains Tennessee Just For Fun Event

October 21 to 23 2016


Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground

32 Reliance Rd Tellico Plains TN 37385

Latitude: 35.341745000
Longitude: -84.361421000
Elevation: 893 FT (272 M)

 
Owners: Wayne and Kellie         

http://www.cmtrails.com/ (http://www.cmtrails.com/)                                   

423-253-6061

cherohalatrails@gmail.com (cherohalatrails%40gmail.com)


Please contact Wayne or Kellie directly and let them know you are with the MSTA group when making reservations.


Tellico Plains TN Weather Forecast:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/tellico-plains-tn/37385/daily-weather-forecast/2125066?day=1
 
About CMT:


Seven Cabins,
sleeps 1-2 people. Cabin Rate $50 per day + tax. Cabins include: 2 twin beds (memory foam mattresses, two pillows each bed). All bed linens supplied, ceiling fan, heater/air conditioner, boot and glove dryer.

Two RV Sites with electricity only, no sewer or water rate: $25 per day + tax Site includes: Picnic table/ Fire ring and all camp amenities!


Tent site rate: $10 per person/per day + tax Site includes: Picnic table/ Fire ring and all camp amenities!


CMT has breakfast every morning at the grill, very clean rest rooms, and showers.

From CMT website:

"Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground specializes in offering outstanding accommodations and unparalleled hospitality for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering seven clean, comfortable cabins and over 5 acres of open level pristine tent camping. We have a tradition of assisting you in creating the most positive camping experience available when visiting Eastern Tennessee.
 

 Our in-camp Concierge Service will make dinner a pleasure! We will ice your beverages, marinate your grill meats and have your dinner ready for the grill when you arrive. Also available is our personalized suggestions on places for you to play and Group in-house catering of the best camp cuisine to be had in Tellico Plains!"


Hope you can Attend!!!

Thanks,



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: TN2Wheeler on November 04, 2015, 07:22:24 PM
Excellent.  I just called and reserved a cabin. I'm in!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 04, 2015, 08:01:38 PM
Great!!!! We're looking forward to the gathering!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on November 05, 2015, 07:24:09 AM
While that is getting into the part of the year when my work gets really busy, I've got those dates on my calendar. I won't take up a cabin that someone else can use who wouldn't come otherwise...I don't mind tenting it.

Attached pictures are from trip to Alaska summer of 2014 with Randy Logan and Bill Goldsby. Hatcher Pass is on Fishhook Road about 1 1/2 hours north of Anchorage. It was one of my favorite places on the trip.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 05, 2015, 08:52:17 AM
See why you like camping in Alaska, nice shots!!!

Hope it works out so you will be able to attend @ Tellico Plains next year!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: ipnman on November 05, 2015, 09:01:13 AM
Bill,
Nice Job...you should have a nice turn-out
You might want to do a write-up for the StaReview, since it will be a new JFF event
Send the article and photos to Nicky Zarras


Thanks,
Dennis
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 05, 2015, 09:02:47 AM
Dennis, Will Do!

Thanks,
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 05, 2015, 01:03:12 PM
CMT already has 2 of the 7 cabins reserved for the gathering so far!!!!!!  We will be camping on one of the RV sites with electricity!  :)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: donmoe on November 05, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Thanks for the notice. I just called and spoke with Wayne to make my cabin reservation, arriving on Thursday.


     Don
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 05, 2015, 03:30:49 PM
Don, Looking forward to meeting you!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: stevegrab on November 11, 2015, 03:03:23 PM
Sounds like fun, wish I was closer and/or retired. Hard to commit to something so far from home this late in the season and use vacation. Been a few years since I've ridden that area and itching to get back.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 11, 2015, 06:51:04 PM
CMT is not too far from us, so hope to visit, camp, and ride there over the next few months. Want to check out on & off pavement riding.

Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 14, 2015, 09:21:52 AM
Just checked with Wayne @ CMT and three cabins, one RV site reserved for the event so far.

There are four cabins, one RV site, and plenty of tent sites left at this time.

Here's some additional photos taken during our visit last October:

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on March 12, 2016, 05:21:50 PM
Just checked with Wayne and there are three cabins, one RV site, and plenty of tent sites left for the gathering so far . We plan to camp there for a few days during April, too.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on March 13, 2016, 11:24:18 AM
I've still got your dates on my calendar, but I may only be able to ride down for part of the day on Friday and all day Saturday. I've just found out that's the weekend of a production by the Knoxville Opera Company. As their technical director, I have to be at the theatre on Friday night and all day Sunday for performances and the strike.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on March 13, 2016, 08:02:34 PM
I've still got your dates on my calendar, but I may only be able to ride down for part of the day on Friday and all day Saturday.

Hope to meet you there!  Will try to attend other events this year, too!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on June 13, 2016, 04:42:00 PM
We have two cabins, two RV sites, and plenty of tent sites left.

Five cabins reserved so far!  :)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 13, 2016, 05:17:27 PM
We used to have a road event in Townsend, TN the 3rd weekend of September. Some years it was still a little on the warm side, but over-all, temperatures were pretty moderate. I'm really looking forward to riding in October. Average temperatures in October appear to range from low 40s to near 70, and I find those conditions to be superb (assuming it's dry).
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on June 14, 2016, 02:04:55 PM
Agree, hoping for 70s and beautiful fall colors at Tellico Plains this year!!!!!! We plan to visit there during September, too!


Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: NinjaBob on June 16, 2016, 12:21:25 AM
Great place! Camped there in 07 I think. There is a little stream running along the tent area. I'll be in Kansas for granddaughters birthday on the 18th but might be able to get there.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on June 16, 2016, 05:16:26 PM
NinjaBob, Hope you can make it!!! We stayed there, rode the Vstrom last October and really enjoyed it!!!!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 26, 2016, 11:19:25 AM
We have two cabins, two RV campsites and plenty of tent campsites left at this time! Five cabins reserved so far.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: Brick on July 26, 2016, 05:11:48 PM
We used to have a road event in Townsend, TN the 3rd weekend of September. Some years it was still a little on the warm side, but over-all, temperatures were pretty moderate. I'm really looking forward to riding in October. Average temperatures in October appear to range from low 40s to near 70, and I find those conditions to be superb (assuming it's dry).

I think you should rejuvenate the Townsend event. Just start with a JFF.. No BBQ no catered meal. But we gotta have your pancakes in the morning.


Let's Ride!
Brick
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: NinjaBob on July 26, 2016, 07:34:56 PM
We used to have a road event in Townsend, TN the 3rd weekend of September. Some years it was still a little on the warm side, but over-all, temperatures were pretty moderate. I'm really looking forward to riding in October. Average temperatures in October appear to range from low 40s to near 70, and I find those conditions to be superb (assuming it's dry).



I think you should rejuvenate the Townsend event. Just start with a JFF.. No BBQ no catered meal. But we gotta have your pancakes in the morning.


Let's Ride!
Brick
Oops forgiot the link. What a Maroon!
here it is:
http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm (http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on July 27, 2016, 01:50:45 AM
We used to have a road event in Townsend, TN the 3rd weekend of September. Some years it was still a little on the warm side, but over-all, temperatures were pretty moderate. I'm really looking forward to riding in October. Average temperatures in October appear to range from low 40s to near 70, and I find those conditions to be superb (assuming it's dry).

I think you should rejuvenate the Townsend event. Just start with a JFF.. No BBQ no catered meal. But we gotta have your pancakes in the morning.


Let's Ride!
Brick

I still have the griddles we used back then, and I thought about resurrecting them at TriSTAR.

You're right...a JFF event might be fun. I'll ponder over that and check out some possible motels.

Thinking back...As I recall, the Indiana guys used to come down for a weekend later in the year (usually when it was getting close to being cold) and they'd spend a weekend at the motel at Deal's Gap. It was the Ron Maudlin Memorial Ride which I suppose morphed into the Ron Maudlin bike wash area at STAR. Ron was one of the good guys that stepped up to volunteer as treasurer of the HSTA for several years.

For TN-STAR I remember writing up route sheets that included riding from Townsend to the Foothills Parkway on US321, and over to US129. From there you went north to TN72 and then south on US411 to get Vonore. TN360 was the best way to Tellico Plains (it still is the best way from Vonore to Tellico Plains). From there you could ride up to the Tennessee/North Carolina state line on TN165/Cherohala Skyway, but you were taking a chance riding any further. North Carolina hadn't finished their side of the Cherohala Skyway, and it was only a rough base coat of pavement that went a few miles past the state line...and you weren't really supposed to be on that part of the road. You COULD get all the way to Robbinsville, but it meant riding 10-11 miles on a gravel road (Big Santeelah Road) that sort of paralleled what was to become the rest of the Skyway. Most of it was decent, but there were 2-3 miles near the Skyway that were a little on the "bouncy" side.

John and Patty Swatzell used to help a bunch in cooking the pancakes and such. But then they sold their ST1100 and bought an American made cruiser. It suited them better, and it was a perfectly fine bike. But they didn't feel like they fit in with the MSTA any more. Too bad...they were good folks and would have been welcome just as anyone would on any kind of bike.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on July 27, 2016, 07:54:12 AM
And while the topic of riding in East Tennessee is on my mind, here's some interesting and good news...

The Knoxville News-Sentinel is announcing this morning that an additional section of the Foothills Parkway is closer to being completed. The Federal  government has announced that a $10 million transportation grant will be funded and will be matched by $15 million from the state of Tennessee and $10 million from the National Park Service. This money will go to complete the section of the Foothills Parkway running from Walland at US321, just up the road from Townsend, to Wears Valley near Pigeon Forge.

I can think of a lot of places I'd like to avoid, and Pigeon Forge is one of those. But this section includes a number of miles that are already graded and ready to be paved as well as the "missing link". The "missing link" is a 1.65 mile section that, according to local folklore, got missed during the initial surveying. Preparation and grading was begun from Walland and from Wears Valley and they two sections were supposed to meet. However, they didn't. The 1.65 mile missing link turned out to be an incredibly rugged section of the mountains, and it's going to require 9 bridges to connect the already prepped sections.

When all of this is completed in 2018 (not that far away, but it is just the projected completion date), the Foothills Parkway will run from US129 all the way to near Pigeon Forge, and will total nearly 40 miles. 40 miles of beautiful and curvy roads is a GOOD thing in my book.

The new section of the Foothills Parkway will probably pick up some traffic from folks wanting to bypass Townsend, but that's ok too. US321 between Pigeon Forge and Townsend is a pretty nice road that is, unfortunately, pretty traffic choked right now.

If a person happened to be in Townsend for, let's say a motorcycle club get together, a pretty amazing ride would be to take the Foothills Parkway to US129, ride through Deal's Gap into Robbinsville, go over the Cherohala Skyway to Tellico Plains, ride TN360 and TN72 back to US129 to the Foothills Parkway and all the way to Wears Valley, and then turn around and redo that new section of the Parkway to US321 and back to Townsend. That would be one of the finest 195 mile rides ANYWHERE. And that's only one option. There are other roads that parallel some of those roads that could eliminate some of the backtracking if desired (Happy Valley off US129, East Millers Cove, and more). Holy komoly...my mouth is watering!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on July 27, 2016, 08:15:00 AM

Oops forgiot the link. What a Maroon!
here it is:
http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm (http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm)

That might be an option, but even the pre-autumn-colors rates seem high to me (I'm a cheapskate). September rates range from $90-$130, but I can almost guarantee you'd be lucky to get a room for less than their published maximum. But I haven't talked to them, and it's all about timing. If we could find a weekend that doesn't have a home UT football game (lots of places in Townsend fill up with people coming into the area for UT football games), we'd have a better shot of having more reasonable rates.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 27, 2016, 08:42:29 AM
If a person happened to be in Townsend for, let's say a motorcycle club get together, a pretty amazing ride would be to take the Foothills Parkway to US129, ride through Deal's Gap into Robbinsville, go over the Cherohala Skyway to Tellico Plains, ride TN360 and TN72 back to US129 to the Foothills Parkway and all the way to Wears Valley, and then turn around and redo that new section of the Parkway to US321 and back to Townsend. That would be one of the finest 195 mile rides ANYWHERE. And that's only one option. There are other roads that parallel some of those roads that could eliminate some of the backtracking if desired (Happy Valley off US129, East Millers Cove, and more). Holy komoly...my mouth is watering!

Geoffrey,

Looking forward to riding these roads next October while at Tellico Plains! Appreciate the information!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: NinjaBob on July 27, 2016, 10:14:01 AM

Oops forgiot the link. What a Maroon!
here it is:
http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm (http://www.highlandmanor.com/the-inn/about-us.htm)

That might be an option, but even the pre-autumn-colors rates seem high to me (I'm a cheapskate). September rates range from $90-$130, but I can almost guarantee you'd be lucky to get a room for less than their published maximum. But I haven't talked to them, and it's all about timing. If we could find a weekend that doesn't have a home UT football game (lots of places in Townsend fill up with people coming into the area for UT football games), we'd have a better shot of having more reasonable rates.
We were there on 8/28/14 and the rate was 79.50, 91 total with tax and fees. Only a handful of other folks there that night,had the pool to ourselves.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 27, 2016, 03:16:10 PM
"Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground"

Please contact Wayne or Kellie directly and let them know you are with the MSTA group when making reservations.

Owners: Wayne and Kellie         
http://www.cmtrails.com/ (http://www.cmtrails.com/)                                   
423-253-6061
cherohalatrails@gmail.com (cherohalatrails%40gmail.com)

Seven Cabins, sleeps 1-2 people. Cabin Rate $50 per day + tax. Cabins include: 2 twin beds (memory foam mattresses, two pillows each bed). All bed linens supplied, ceiling fan, heater/air conditioner, boot and glove dryer.

Two RV Sites with electricity only, no sewer or water rate: $25 per day + tax Site includes: Picnic table/ Fire ring and all camp amenities!


Tent site rate: $10 per person/per day + tax Site includes: Picnic table/ Fire ring and all camp amenities!

This campground has a nice grill, restrooms/showers, and
pavilion.

Looking forward to seeing everyone and
riding this area during October! As you can see from previous discussion, eastern TN offers great areas to ride on and off pavement!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: stevegrab on July 27, 2016, 03:32:24 PM


For TN-STAR I remember writing up route sheets that included riding from Townsend to the Foothills Parkway on US321, and over to US129. From there you went north to TN72 and then south on US411 to get Vonore. TN360 was the best way to Tellico Plains (it still is the best way from Vonore to Tellico Plains). From there you could ride up to the Tennessee/North Carolina state line on TN165/Cherohala Skyway, but you were taking a chance riding any further. North Carolina hadn't finished their side of the Cherohala Skyway, and it was only a rough base coat of pavement that went a few miles past the state line...and you weren't really supposed to be on that part of the road. You COULD get all the way to Robbinsville, but it meant riding 10-11 miles on a gravel road (Big Santeelah Road) that sort of paralleled what was to become the rest of the Skyway. Most of it was decent, but there were 2-3 miles near the Skyway that were a little on the "bouncy" side.

John and Patty Swatzell used to help a bunch in cooking the pancakes and such. But then they sold their ST1100 and bought an American made cruiser. It suited them better, and it was a perfectly fine bike. But they didn't feel like they fit in with the MSTA any more. Too bad...they were good folks and would have been welcome just as anyone would on any kind of bike.
That is sad, and I never understood that. You can sport tour on anything, and if you enjoy the events, the MSTA folks, the local group, or just riding in general I think you fit in the club. While their numbers are small we do have members on cruisers, and every other type of bike from very large touring rigs (like Gold Wings), dual sport bikes, standards, naked bikes, supersports, and yes true ST bikes (ST11/13, FJR, etc).
One hilarious thing I recall fromt STAR16, the Honda demo folks were going around the parking lot taking inventory of the bikes, and assigning them to different categories. Wish I had some time to talk to them more about it, because I was baffled that VFRs were lumped into "other" while the dual sports had a category, and I forget what others they were doing (I think "touring" was one).
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: stevegrab on July 27, 2016, 03:33:10 PM
BTW, an event at Townsend would be cool, nice roads and its a neat little town. I heard a lot about the old TN-STAR and other event done there, and did stay at Dock's one time about 10 years ago. One thing I remember was these people telling me about starting their day, riding the the gently rolling corners/hills of the Foothills Parkway, before conquering the Dragon and the Cherohala. Oh and no trip to the area is complete without a stop at Bald River Falls (near Tellico end of Cherohala). Its an interesting site in winter when the spray is freezing on the trees.

Interesting info on the continuation of Foothills Pkwy, I can see on Google maps an area of green (usually forest land) running between Walland and Wears Valley and if I click in there it shows my location as "Foothills Parkway Townsend TN 37882 and the long/lat coordinates.

Last couple times at the Gap we came out through (or stayed in Townsend) the followed 321 to Pigeon Forge area and forget from there, but the idea was to work north quickly in order to make it home in 2 days of back roads. I wondered what the road heading east out of Townsend (thought it was labeled TN72 see it as E Lemar Alexandar Pkwy, then Little Rirver Road, finally Fighting Creek Gap Rd, ends at US441 south of Gatlinburg.)

Yes now my mouth is watering too, the roads of SE Ohio will have to suffice this weekend.

Sorry to hijack the thread ;)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 27, 2016, 05:01:40 PM
Steve, No problem at all!  ;)

This discussion shows what a fine area eastern TN is for all types riding. Going to ride there late September or early October before the JFF gathering at Tellico Plains!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 29, 2016, 09:27:47 AM
Right now there are 2 cabins left, 2 RV sites, and plenty of campsites.


Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: touringman on July 29, 2016, 09:52:53 AM
Hello Bill, It was great to see you, and meet Deb at BLL, and thanks for the photos. Do you have a toy hauler, or have you figured another way to transport trailer and bike? Take care, Syd :)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on July 29, 2016, 01:05:05 PM
Hello Bill, It was great to see you, and meet Deb at BLL, and thanks for the photos. Do you have a toy hauler, or have you figured another way to transport trailer and bike? Take care, Syd :)

Syd, Great to see you at BLL, too!!!!!!

We purchased a travel trailer this year and don't have a Toy Hauler.  Working on better way to camp and transport a motorcycle with one rig. We want to camp & take a motorcycle to many locations in the lower 48, including MSTA events. May buy a pickup with with 6.5' bed, load the motorcycle in the back and tow the travel trailer, too.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on August 25, 2016, 01:30:04 PM
Checked today, we have one cabin, two RV sites, and plenty of tent campsites left for the gathering.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on August 25, 2016, 09:35:08 PM
As much as I'd like to be there the whole weekend, my available time that weekend is starting to disappear. I have a work call to set a corporate event on Friday during the day, a performance by the Knoxville Opera Friday night, striking the corporate event on Saturday afternoon, and another Opera performance Sunday afternoon followed by its strike. It's looking like the best I could do is ride down for a while on Saturday evening and maybe have dinner with the attendees. I'd like to see who's there, and I hate to miss a chance to socialize a bit.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on August 25, 2016, 10:48:02 PM
Geoffrey,

Hope we get to meet you. We are looking forward to riding in eastern TN during October. Should be nice fall colors, too.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on September 23, 2016, 08:54:53 PM
We camped at Tellico Plains TN last night and the weather was beautiful. Saw many motorcycles on the road, too!

All seven cabins are reserved for the gathering, but we still have two RV campsites and plenty of tent campsites available, at this time.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: donmoe on September 29, 2016, 06:51:13 PM
Quote
All seven cabins are reserved for the gathering, but we still have two RV campsites and plenty of tent campsites available, at this time.
Last year I reserved a cabin at Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground for the JFF event and have been looking forward to attending. Unfortunately something has come up that prevents me from participating this year. I just spoke with Wayne (423-253-6061) to cancel my cabin reservation and he requested that I post this note here on the forum in case someone else would like to take the newly available cabin.


    Don Moe

Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on September 29, 2016, 07:36:19 PM
Don,

Sorry you can't make it!  Hope you and your family are OK.

Thanks for letting us know.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on September 29, 2016, 07:38:28 PM
We currently have one cabin available, two RV campsites , and plenty tent campsites available.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 08, 2016, 11:13:04 AM
 10/8/16,  we have one cabin available, two RV campsites and plenty tent campsites available. Looking forward to seeing everyone in two weeks!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 15, 2016, 02:25:35 PM
10/15  Talked to Kellie at Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground and she said there is one cabin, one RV site, and tent campsites available at this time for next weekend.

CMTC website:

https://www.cmtrails.com/ (https://www.cmtrails.com/)

Kellie said the leaves should have nice fall colors next weekend, too. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Tellico Plains TN weather forecast:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/tellico-plains-tn/37385/daily-weather-forecast/2125066?day=1 (http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/tellico-plains-tn/37385/daily-weather-forecast/2125066?day=1)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 19, 2016, 04:59:48 PM
10/19 All cabins/RV sites are rented at Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground for this weekend, 10/21 to 10/23!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: PYG RYDR on October 19, 2016, 09:33:11 PM
10/19 All cabins/RV sites are rented at Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground for this weekend, 10/21 to 10/23!!!!!!


And many tenting and some lodging at Red Roof Inn at Etowah!  A large number of dual sporters set to be there!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 19, 2016, 10:47:14 PM
And many tenting and some lodging at Red Roof Inn at Etowah!  A large number of dual sporters set to be there!

That's great!!!!!!!

The weather forecast highs 60s Friday & Saturday, and 70s Sunday. Looking forward riding Tellico Plains area!

Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on October 23, 2016, 02:45:53 AM
While that silly stuff called "work" got in the way of spending the day riding with the guys that came to Tellico Plains for the weekend, I did make the trek down to the campground late this afternoon to say hello. It was nice to see some familiar faces and also meet some folks whose names I'd seem but hadn't met.

From Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, NC, it's 50+ miles of grins and good pavement on the Cherohala Skyway (and then just a few more miles up to Deal's Gap). If your tendencies lean toward the dusty side of things, there's more than enough fun in the area for plenty of good weekends. I got to meet fine fellow RideAndFly (Bill) today, and I hope he keeps doing this gathering.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: Patmo on October 23, 2016, 06:58:27 AM
Wish I could be down there this weekend...but unfortunately I can't do them all.  If anyone starts complaining that we don't have ENOUGH events throughout the year, I think it would be time to have their sanity checked. LOL

 :)

Hope everyone has a great time and a safe time too!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 23, 2016, 07:18:14 PM
We had 20 folks attending the gathering!!!!!!! Great to see old friends and met many new friends, too. The weather was fine along with very nice fall colors. The campground staff were very hospitable, too! 

Geoffrey enjoyed meeting you, too!!! Patmo, hopefully will meet you at one of the future events. 

Took several photos, so will upload in the MSTA Tellico Plains Smugmug gallery tomorrow.

Here's shot of a group at the campground heading out on a ride today:

(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi657.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu299%2Fvstromklr%2F2016%2FIMG_1586_zpsecdvp73h.jpg&hash=85df49ee64c5a75b4357f94b05f0170d845939a9) (http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2016/IMG_1586_zpsecdvp73h.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: TN2Wheeler on October 29, 2016, 07:47:17 PM
It was excellent!  Thanks for organizing Bill!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 29, 2016, 08:38:24 PM
It was excellent!  Thanks for organizing Bill!

Jim,   Thanks!!!!!!

It was my pleasure and enjoyed seeing you again, too!
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: RIDEMYST on October 30, 2016, 06:52:12 AM
It sounds like this was a complete hit!
We don't have many camping style events.
Should the MSTA consider promoting more events of this type? -JEP-
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: TN2Wheeler on October 30, 2016, 06:55:42 AM
It sounds like this was a complete hit!
We don't have many camping style events.
Should the MSTA consider promoting more events of this type? -JEP-
Well it was "sorta" camping.  As far as I know no one slept in a tent.  We we all in rustic cabins or some kind of RV. But quite a few members have RVs now.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: HawkGTRider on October 30, 2016, 08:47:45 AM
Had I been able to stay for the whole weekend rather than just stopping by one evening, I would have probably pitched a tent (set up...not thrown away). But I dare say I might have gotten a bit chilly. From what I heard, there was a good frost Saturday morning. But the historic average temperatures for the 3rd week of October are lows in the mid 40s and highs near 70. I'd consider those very good conditions for both riding and camping.

Going back to STAR when it was in Nashville, IN, we had a big contingent of tent campers, and it was a was a wonderful social experience. I was so taken with the idea, I decided to camp the next year in Avon (1995). That was a little different situation, and I think I was the only person camping that year.

I had checked the box on the registration form that I wanted camping info, but it never came. When I checked in at the event registration, I asked about camping. I remember the person at registration looking at me rather wide-eyed and in total disbelief. That person sent me to a hotel staffer who recommended going to the National Forest Service office in Vail which is 10 miles east of Avon. There, I got info about camping and I went to Gore Creek which was another 5 miles east (total of just over 15 miles from Avon). It was the nearest campground but turned out to be a delightful experience of a different kind from Nashville, IN. I said I was the only person at STAR camping, and I was nearly the only person camping at that campground as well. There was one other site taken my first night, but they left the next day leaving the campground completely to me for the rest of the week. There was a wonderful rushing creek running through the campground (Gore Creek I'd venture), and I went to sleep each night to the white noise sound of water rushing from the melting snowy mountain tops downwards towards the Colorado River.

Every morning I rubbed the frost off the seat of the bike and rode the 15 chilly miles to Avon to potentially meet other riders. I mostly rode by myself that week, but fellow Tennessean Trey Hall was kind enough to offer me his room to shower with hot water (not available at the campground).

Those 2 events were quite different experiences, but I enjoyed both. I've been moto-camping ever since and enjoying the heck out of it.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 30, 2016, 09:59:38 AM
We don't have many camping style events.
Should the MSTA consider promoting more events of this type? -JEP-

Jim,

Promoting events of this type around the nation should be considered.  Believe younger
sport & DS riders would be interested, too.

During July & August in North Carolina, there are campgrounds over 3500' elevation that have
pleasant temperatures and plenty of DS/twisty riding when temps are in the 90s in lower elevations.
Cabins at the Tellico Plains gathering were $50 per night that accommodate two people,
RV campsites $25 per night, and $10 per night per person tent camping.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 30, 2016, 10:06:22 AM


Well it was "sorta" camping.  As far as I know no one slept in a tent.  We we all in rustic cabins or some kind of RV. But quite a few members have RVs now.

Jim,

We're getting set up to transport our motorcycle in the back of the pickup while towing our travel trailer.  Stayed in a cabin during this event since I'm not quite set up to transport the motorcycle while camping, yet.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 30, 2016, 10:13:55 AM

I had checked the box on the registration form that I wanted camping info, but it never came. When I checked in at the event registration, I asked about camping. I remember the person at registration looking at me rather wide-eyed and in total disbelief. That person sent me to a hotel staffer who recommended going to the National Forest Service office in Vail which is 10 miles east of Avon.

Those 2 events were quite different experiences, but I enjoyed both. I've been moto-camping ever since and enjoying the heck out of it.

Geoffrey,

We hope to attend some future MSTA events while camping with our travel trailer. Have some friends that love to moto-camp.
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: Brick on October 30, 2016, 10:45:14 AM
Hell yes the club should promote mc camping just ask them to have a little cabin for me!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on October 30, 2016, 10:53:30 AM
Hell yes the club should promote mc camping just ask them to have a little cabin for me!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Brick,

Many private and government campgrounds around the nation have cabins.  :)
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: PYG RYDR on November 01, 2016, 03:14:33 PM
We had 20 folks attending the gathering!!!!!!! Great to see old friends and met many new friends, too. The weather was fine along with very nice fall colors. The campground staff were very hospitable, too! 

Geoffrey enjoyed meeting you, too!!! Patmo, hopefully will meet you at one of the future events. 

Took several photos, so will upload in the MSTA Tellico Plains Smugmug gallery tomorrow.

Here's shot of a group at the campground heading out on a ride today:

(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi657.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu299%2Fvstromklr%2F2016%2FIMG_1586_zpsecdvp73h.jpg&hash=85df49ee64c5a75b4357f94b05f0170d845939a9) (http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2016/IMG_1586_zpsecdvp73h.jpg.html)

Bill,

Thanks for organizing this event!  It was big fun!

Galen
Title: Re: 2016 Tellico Plains TN Fall Event JFF
Post by: rideandfly on November 02, 2016, 12:04:24 PM




Bill,

Thanks for organizing this event!  It was big fun!

Galen

Galen,

Thanks and Great to meet you!!!!   
We have the Strom riding in the mountains today, too!!!!!